anyone have anything great to say about the ML430? I may be buying a 2000 or 2001 model, please fill me in. ALSO where can I see pics of everyones ML??? Does anyone have the front brush guard on, with the lights?!? thanks for the INFO

 

I had the front brush gaurd (really just a bar and skid pan from the dealership) on mine but I took it off and back. From the side, it looked like a wagon with a brush gaurd. It looked good from the front though. It would probably look a lot better with some 19 or 20's.

I put mine on by myself and without any instructions.

 

Don't get any earlier than a 2000. I have a 99 and it's been a lot of grief. All the usual stuff, the latest being a fuel pump failure, earlier in the week. It had to be flatbedded 2 hours down to Hickory, got it back yesterday, and now the power steering pump howls so bad I'm afraid to drive it. I'm waiting for the dealer to call me back, as I write this, and come up and get it, with a replacement. As to dealers, I've always had maint done by Hendrick Motors, in Hickory, and I can't say enough good about the service I've received. They have really tried hard to keep this thing on the road, and me happy - they get five stars Would I get another one, not on your life; this is my 5th MB, and I'll never have another. Fortunately, this one is leased, so it will soon be someone elses problem.

 

I have a 2001 430 and I love it. I drove a Navigator prior to this and this is much more car like with the benefits of the SUV. I also drive a BMW 540 with a bunch of Dinan mods and I really have been impressed with how the ML 430 performs given its weight and function. I am at +/- 12,000 miles and I have had some brake squeak problems but the dealer replaced all rotors and pads under warranty. I have heard many people say "avoid pre 2000 models" and I would do that to stay on the safe side. Good luck

 

My ML430 purchased in Sept 99 (it's a MY 2000) was nothing but trouble for the first 30,000 miles or so - something breaking, falling off, or playing up everything 2-3 months resulting in 23 warranty claims and I'm not talking about the usual rattle & squeaks etc.

Unfortunately I paid cash & MRSP for this SUV - so I'm keeping it till the warranty runs out and making sure MB USA picks up the tab for the repairs. By which time it'll probably be perfect and ready for someone else :-)

If you really want to scare yourself - go visit www.mercedes-lemon.com or if you want to re-assure yourself the ML is a good truck go visit www.benzworld.org

I suspect quality has improved on the later year models - but as for long term reliability, it's too early to say. But bear in mind the ML has a lot of domestic content from the same companies that supply GM, Ford, Chevvy etc.......